Cummaquid licensed despite protests

The licensing authority approved Cummaquid Golf Club’s planned new clubhouse and new annual entertainment licenses despite strong objections from several neighbors at a hearing Aug. 25.

Susan Vaughn

Susan Vaughn photos NEIGHBORHOOD OPPOSITION – Stan Baukus and his wife, Ginny, are among several neighbors of the Cummaquid Golf Club who spoke at the licensing authority Aug. 25 against the club’s new entertainment licenses for its expanded clubhouse. The neighbors were particularly concerned about possible additional noise. Some unhappy with expanded entertainment times

The licensing authority approved Cummaquid Golf Club’s planned new clubhouse and new annual entertainment licenses despite strong objections from several neighbors at a hearing Aug. 25.

The residents aired their concerns, mostly about the possibility of more noise as a result of new live and non-live entertainment licenses that will allow up to six performers and dancing, as well as six televisions throughout the premises from 11 a.m. until 12:45 a.m. Monday to Saturday and until midnight on Sundays.

They did not state objections to the club’s plans to tear down the 45-year-old clubhouse and build a new 15,905-square-foot one this winter that is scheduled to open in April.

Keith Richards, a direct abutter to the club for 37 years, said the club has been a good neighbor and he had reported only one complaint five years ago about a rock and roll band that was so loud he and his wife, Lynn, had to leave their home.

However, he said, “We are alarmed by the possibility of more noise that would be allowed by the entertainment license. Noise decreases property values.”

Four other neighbors expressed similar objections and asked that licenses be granted individually for the events as they have been previously and that the hours of entertainment be limited to 10 or 11 p.m.

Attorney John Kenney, representing the club, said the main reason for requesting the 12:45 a.m. cutoff was for the televisions, which had not previously been licensed, and that most events were over by 9 or 10 p.m.

“Everything we’re asking is the same as currently licensed,” he said, except for the TVs. He said the club is never open until 12:45 a.m. and that it wasn’t going to turn into a nightclub.

Kenney would not agree to a request from Regulatory Services Director Richard Scali to consider talking to members about limiting the hours of live entertainment. Kenney said he would like to “keep the flexibility.”

Kenney further responded to the complaints by saying, “Cummaquid Golf Club has been there since 1897. We were there before everyone. They’re going to get a brand new club. It will increase [property] values.”

Neighbor Stan Baukus questioned the actual number of members, saying 350 does not take into account couples and families with children, which he said could bring the number up to 1,000. “The numbers are not really true,” he said. “We’re all in fear they are going to up the hours. Then we have little control.”

Kenney said there will be no change in the 350 voting member limit, and that the only change the club directors anticipate is that members will make more use of the new facility, such as dining on Friday nights, which could bring 100 to 140 people.

In response to neighbors’ requests that no outside groups use the facility, board Chairman John Bowes said a survey of members indicated that no one wanted weddings or outside parties to do so.

Bowes said the yearly parties at Christmas, Valentine’s and St. Patrick’s days are only for members and the Christmas party is the only one that exceeds 125 attendees. He also said new insulation will be three times better than the current insulation at containing noise.

“It will be a beautiful building that will upgrade the neighborhood,” Bowes said.

Authority Chairman Martin Hoxie told the neighbors they have a lot of power in that they can complain, and if there is a problem the authority can restrict the alcohol and entertainment licenses to 11 p.m.

After hearing the neighbors’ concerns, Hoxie said the club has been a good neighbor and should have the opportunity to take on a new venture. His board has to approve any changes, he said.

The authority unanimously approved the application for alterations, which included the capacity up to a total of 509 on two levels, as approved by the building commissioner. In addition to the new entertainment licenses, it approved one-day all-alcohol and entertainment licenses for club and golf events under a tent this fall from Sept. 12 to Oct. 25 after the construction is under way.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.